Newest anti-LGBTQ religious 'martyr' is a sad joke

Former Georgia police officer Jacob Kersey

Here we go again - far-right Christian learns that comments have consequences and then tries to make himself a martyr by using his religion to shield his bigotry. In this case, add sheer stupidity to bigotry.

I'm not a fan of using Fox News as a source, but in this case I will make an exception:

A former Georgia police officer who was investigated for a religious social media post that claimed "there's no such thing" as gay marriage said he felt pressured to resign after he was told he could be fired for sharing his beliefs. Jacob Kersey, 19, who quit the Port Wentworth Police Department earlier this month, told Fox News Digital that he was placed on paid administrative leave Jan. 4 after he refused to remove the Facebook post he made regarding his Christian belief about marriage. "God designed marriage," 

Kersey wrote in the post that was flagged by his superiors following "an anonymous complaint," according to a Jan. 13 letter of notification first reported by the Daily Signal and provided to Fox News Digital. "Marriage refers to Christ and the church. That's why there's no such thing as homosexual marriage." 

Now here is the comical part here.  You're going to love this:

Kersey wasn't fired after the investigation, but he said he decided to quit because he was told he could face termination for future social media posts that others find offensive. He said he has spoken with a law firm about possible legal action. 

 In his letter to Kersey, Maj. Bradwick Sherrod explained that while the department's investigation into his social media posts "did not find sufficient evidence to establish a violation of any policies," his posts regarding "protected classes" such as the LGBTQ community "could raise reasonable concerns regarding your objectivity and the performance of your job duties when a member or suspected member of the LGBTQ+ community is involved."

 "As we have discussed previously, please be reminded that if any post on any of your social media platforms, or any other statement or action, renders you unable to perform, and to be seen as able to perform, your job in a fair and equitable manner, you could be terminated," the letter reads. 

Kersey did not get into trouble for the post but was told to be careful about future posts or any actions which could put his credibility to be objective in the performance of his duties as a police officer in doubt. But apparently Kersey doesn't think that he should have been investigated at all and should also have the freedom to figuratively show his ass in future posts. So sensing that he wouldn't be getting his way, he quit..

That doesn't make Kersey a martyr or a victim. It makes him an entitled fool. And one not to bright. No one made him resign. He decided to because he felt that his personal beliefs were more important than keeping the trust of folks he swore to protect and serve. Like it or not, those folks include married gay couples. 

This isn't a free speech issue. Public servants such as police officers have a duty to maintain trust with the public and Kersey's social media comments hindered creating that trust. And based upon the image of police in general. particularly in light of the awful death of Tyre Nichols, the last thing we all need is a police officer too bull-headed to show some discretion and so egotistical that he plays the "religious persecution" card instead of simply toning it down.

Good riddance to bad rubbish.

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